Who We Are
Outside Brands has grown steadily over the last forty years. Our dynamic team is comprised of passionate leaders and talented outdoorspeople who share a deep connection with local nature, history and culture.
From humble beginnings as a windsurfing school in 1979, Outside has grown into a dynamic 4 division business with operations in South Carolina and Georgia. Driven by a mission to enrich lives by connecting people to exceptional places, products and experiences, Outside offers fully customized group travel services, team building programs, activities and specialty retail.
Outside is a constantly evolving and growing business, fortified by a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about creating and delivering truly remarkable experiences for all of Outside’s clients. Leveraging their deep local connections, Outside designs exclusive experiences catered to the needs and objectives of their customers. Simply put, Outside unlocks the nature, history and culture of the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire for our customers.

An evolution
of growth
1970's

Mike Overton started a small windsurfing company on the beaches of Hilton Head Island while on summer break from the University of Vermont. He would soon move the start-up school to South Beach, on the southern end of the island. It would become the largest windsurfing school on the East Coast, and hosted some of the best attended windsurfing events available.
1980's

As the island and Mike’s vision grew, Windsurfing Hilton Head became Outside Hilton Head and then simply Outside. During those early years, Outside concentrated on creating and providing interpretive kayak tours to island residents and visitors. The flagship store, located in the Plaza at Shelter Cove, was opened in 1986 and offered an expanded selection of the finest outdoor wear and gear available.
1990's

Outside acquired Page Island, a 40-acre chain of hammock islands on the back side of Daufuskie. At this new location, a series of team and leadership development courses were built and Outside began offering boating based programs to get guests to and from Page Island.
2000's

Outside outgrew its original facilities and established operations at Shelter Cove Marina and Palmetto Bluff, growing into the most comprehensive outdoor outfitter in the region. Offerings expanded into numerous unique kayak tours, extensive boating programs, fishing trips, children and teen camps, history tours, scavenger hunts, and much more.
2010's

Ever the optimist, Outside leveraged the downturn in the economy to refocus and add a new line of business to their repertoire – Destinations DMC. As a full-service destination management company, Destinations DMC creates exclusive experiences and offerings for groups, including transportation, activities, team building programs, events, decor, staffing, and auxiliary services. With the evolution and growth in Savannah, GA, Outside began offering both leisure boating experiences and destination management services. In 2019, Outside celebrated its 40th Anniversary!
2020's

With perseverance and creativity, Outside pushed through and grew with the ever-changing world in 2020. We introduced The Ohana, a 47-foot vessel, to our fleet which is the perfect place to host private groups or parties. Outside also expanded our efforts in Savannah, Georgia and opened a new retail location in the growing Plant Riverside District. As we continue to introduce new and exciting offerings in all three locations, there are more ways than ever before to Get Outside with us!
Our Team
Leadership


Sarah Tillman
CFO

Sharon Sutton
Director of Human Resources

KELLE McMichael
Director of Palmetto Bluff Operations
Hire Date
March 2020
Passionate about
Living in the low country and riding horses
Contact
kellem@outsidebrands.com

Jessie Madden
Director of Retail

Brittany Willard
Director of Reservations
Hire Date
February 2021
Passionate about
Life enrichment and getting outside
Contact
brittanyw@outsidebrands.com

Mickey Price
Director of Marine Operations

JC McCune
Director of Programs
Hire Date
May 2015
Passionate about
Sharing my appreciation for the lowcountry
Contact
jc@outsidebrands.com

Michael Hodsdon
Director of Shelter Cove Marina
Hire Date
February 2009
Passionate about
Learning and sharing knowledge
Contact
michaelh@outsidebrands.com
DEStinations DMC

Carol Kavanaugh
Director of DMC Sales
Hire Date
April 2013
Passionate about
Learning and sharing life’s lessons
Contact
carol@outsidebrands.com

Jennifer Freeman
Director of DMC Operations
Marketing


ANNELIZA "PIPPI" ITKOR
Visual Content Coordinator
Hire Date
May 2017
Passionate about
Learning, teaching, conservation, & adventure
Contact
pip@outsidebrands.com
Programs

Mickey Price
Director of Marine Operations

JC McCune
Director of Programs
Hire Date
May 2015
Passionate about
Sharing my appreciation for the lowcountry
Contact
jc@outsidebrands.com

Michael Hodsdon
Director of Shelter Cove Marina Operations
Hire Date
February 2009
Passionate about
Learning and sharing knowledge
Contact
michaelh@outsidebrands.com

Brittany Willard
Director of Reservations
Hire Date
February 2021
Passionate about
Life enrichment and getting outside
Contact
brittanyw@outsidebrands.com

Katie Woods
Reservations Manager

KELLE STEEN
Director of Palmetto Bluff Operations
Hire Date
March 2020
Passionate about
Living in the low country and riding horses
Contact
kelles@outsidebrands.com

Boo Harrell
Palmetto Bluff Brand Ambassador

John Oliver Hinchey
Boat Mechanic Manager
Retail

Jessie Madden
Retail Operations Manager

SAMANTHA VALDES
Savannah Retail Manager

Mark Wray
Paddlesports Buyer

Leisa Cram
Women's Buyer

Kelley Kendrick
Mens Buyer